DOT wants Islanders to use 'bike and rides'

The city's Department of Transportation wants Staten Islanders to hit a different kind of pedal on their way to and from work.

Ten new bike racks will be installed at Staten Island Railway park and rides, to create healthy and environmentally friendly "bike and rides."

The racks will be installed soon at the Great Kills, Bay Terrace, Dongan Hills, Huguenot and South Beach park and ride lots.

"We're trying to get people out of their cars," and this will give people more incentive, explained borough DOT Commissioner Tom Curitore. Soon, Staten Islanders can "bike to the bike and ride, hop on a train and get to work," he said.

But before you get on a roll, you've got to get the gear.

The DOT is also hosting two helmet fitting events as part of its Get FIT-TED campaign. Free bike helmets will be distributed at Safety City on the grounds of the Petrides Educational Complex in Sunnyside next Thursday from 2-4 p.m. and July 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The sleek red helmets sport an urban design and the trademark Bullseye logo of Target, the program sponsor.